Free delivery on orders over £807 Best Dark Sky Reserves To Visit In The UK
The UK is home to some of the darkest skies in the world, making it a fantastic place to go stargazing. Home to seven of the International Dark Sky Reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of the night sky.
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Bannau Brycheiniog
(Brecon Beacons), Wales
The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is one of the UK's most popular Dark Sky Reserves, thanks to its stunning scenery and accessible location. The park is home to a variety of stargazing spots, including the Bannau Brycheiniog Visitor Centre, Pen y Fan (the highest peak in the park), and the Llanfrynach Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Bannau Brycheiniog is known for dark skies, which are some of the best in the UK. This is due to the park's remote location and its lack of light pollution.
On a clear night, visitors to the Bannau Brycheiniog can see the Milky Way galaxy, shooting stars, and even the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).
Eryri
(Snowdonia), Wales
[Image Credit: www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk]
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is home to the highest mountain in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The park also has a number of dark sky spots, including the village of Beddgelert and the Llyn y Fan Fach lake.
Visitors to the park can choose to stargaze from a high vantage point, such as Snowdon, or from a more secluded spot, such as the Llyn y Fan Fach lake.
Cranborne Chase
England
Cranborne Chase AONB is a beautiful area of rolling countryside, with a variety of dark sky spots to choose from. Some popular spots include Hambledon Hill, Gold Hill, King Alfred’s Tower and the village of Ashmore.
Cranborne Chase AONB is also host to a variety of wildlife. Visitors to the AONB can see bats, owls, and other nocturnal animals while stargazing.
Exmoor National Park
England
Exmoor National Park is a rugged and remote area, with some of the darkest skies in England. Popular stargazing spots include Wimbleball Lake, Dunkery Beacon (the highest point in Exmoor), and the village of Parracombe.
Visitors to the park can stargaze on the two-mile Dark Sky Discovery walking trail.
Moore’s Reserve
England
Moore's Reserve is a small area of the South Downs National Park that has been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats and owls. It is also a great place to see the Milky Way galaxy.
Moore's Reserve is perfect for stargazing city dwellers because of its dark skies and its proximity to London. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy the beauty of the night sky without having to travel far from the city.
North Yorkshire Moors
ENGLAND
The North York Moors National Park is a vast and varied landscape, with a number of dark sky spots. Some popular spots include Sutton Bank, Castleton Rigg, and the village of Goathland. The entire village of Hawnby switched to dark sky-friendly lighting to support astro tourism in this area.
The North York Moors National Park is a great place to go stargazing because of its dark skies and its variety of landscapes. The aurora borealis is visible from the park on rare occasions.
Yorkshire Dales
England
The Northern Lights are also occasionally visible here when activity and the conditions are right.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a stunning area of limestone hills and valleys. The park has a number of dark sky spots, including Malham Cove, Ingleborough (the highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales), and the village of Hawes.
Tips for stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve
- Choose a dark spot. The darker the sky, the more stars you will be able to see. Avoid areas with light pollution, such as towns and cities.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. It can take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. Avoid using bright lights, such as torches and mobile phones, during this time.
- Use a stargazing app. A stargazing app can help you to identify the stars and planets that you are seeing.
- Be patient.
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